By Brooke Strickland
It’s a new year. Did you make a resolution to start eating better or to start working out more? We all know that for most people looking to make a change, dieting and fitness is on the top of their list. If you’re one of the people that has made a resolution to start eating better this year or to lose some extra pounds, good for you! Now comes the hard part: following through and not breaking the resolution! Here are some tips to help you get started and keep you on track for success.
Plan ahead. What do you need to stay successful in meeting your goal of losing weight or eating better? Maybe you need to ask a friend to be your accountability partner, or even better, your work out or grocery shopping partner. Maybe you need to start researching local gyms in the area to see what works for your budget. Whatever it is, plan ahead and don’t wait till the last minute to start getting your resolution in order.
Be realistic. If you make unrealistic goals, you’re more likely than not to break them. So, instead of saying you’re NEVER going to eat your favorite food again, be realistic and set a goal that is manageable. Setting goals that are representative of what you can actually meet will make things a lot less frustrating for you in the long run.
Share. Don’t keep your resolution just to yourself. Share it with your friends. This will help you gain a natural support system that will help keep you motivated and on track.
Rewards are good. Are you doing well at keeping up with your resolution? Reward yourself! Treat yourself to something you enjoy, whether it’s your favorite mocha, a piece of gourmet chocolate, a movie with a friend…whatever makes you happy, reward your hard work!
Remember, no one is perfect and you’ll probably slip up on occasion. That’s ok. Don’t beat yourself up and don’t obsess about the mistake. Take each day at a time and be patient. Persistence will pay off if you work hard enough at it.
Here’s to a healthy 2013!